Energy plans in block 11 of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) are going ahead without any problems, the Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides has said, noting at the same that Cyprus is approaching the issue by showing seriousness, remaining calm and using few words.
Nikos Christodoulides: Cyprus is approaching the issue by showing seriousness, remaining calm and using few words
Christodoulides was speaking to the press following today’s meeting of the National Council held at the Presidential Palace.
Asked about Turkey`s new Navtex that affects the Cyprus’ EEZ, he said that this is Ankara`s favourite tactic which has been repeated since 2011 when hydrocarbon activities within Cyprus’ EEZ began.
He said that “immediately after the issuance of the directive to seafarers we proceeded to issue a directive to cancel what Turkey was attempting to do while at the same time we have already taken action at the diplomatic level.”
He said that “we continue to have the same approach. We will not do the favour to Turkey to create a crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean at a public level”, adding that there is no such a thing.
On 26/6 the Republic of Cyprus issued a directive to seafarers (NAVTEX 240/17), saying that drilling operation will be conducted in an area bounded by the drilling ship “West Capella”, from the 10th of July 2017 until 15th of October 2017.
The rights on Block 11 were assigned by the Republic of Cyprus to Total back in 2013 at the conclusion of the second international bid round held by the country. Total decided to extend the lease of Block 11, re-evaluating its geophysical model in view of the discovery of Egypt’s giant Zohr field only about 6km away from the boundary of Block 11.
